CHAMBER NEWSLETTER

I think I speak for many of our members when I say that the first part of this year has absolutely flown past.

I am still coming to terms with the demise of 1998. We are all busy and all thankful for a buoyant economy, which has brought new business and new opportunities.

Without a doubt, 1999 will be a memorable year for many of us and I believe that the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has a significant roll to play leading up to the new millennium.

Over the past eight months since the last Annual General Meeting, many issues have arisen, problems solved and planning put in place so as to position the Chamber for a more prominent roll in our business community.

There have been a number of hard decisions made in order to resolve administrative problems in terms of sub-committees and there will be further decisions required over the next six months to consolidate the Chambers activities.

Your Chamber Executive have worked very hard to address issues that will effect us all in business over the next few years and I would thank all those including Mark Snell (our tireless Secretary) and Don Wilson (our stalwart Treasurer).

The following highlights are an example of the excellent prospects for the Peninsula both in the short and long term.

The proposed new Ettalong Beach Club and hotel resort is due to commence construction in the first week of April.

This long awaited project will set a new development standard on the Peninsula and will be the catalyst for renewed investment into our community.

The development will not only mean some 400 construction jobs, it will also create 200 additional permanent jobs when the resort complex is up and running towards the middle of next year.

Building works will be carried out by Fletcher Constructions from Sydney together with local building contractors, Pluims Con-structions.

Pluims involvement in the project will result in many local construction jobs being created.

The Peninsula stands to gain an increase in tourist numbers, which will serve to enhance local business operators and generate real employment and investment opportunities.

Peter Hale, his staff and the Directors of the Ettalong Beach Memorial Club should be congratulated for their efforts in getting the project off the ground.

An important step has been taken in the future direction of the Woy Woy commercial centre.

Council appointed consultants Keys Young have now completed the draft Development Control Plan document for Woy Woy which is due to go before Gosford City Council for adoption during March.

The Chamber has provided considerable input throughout the document’s evolution with final submissions being made by the Chamber as late as the end of February.

The DCP is a vital planning stepping stone for the revitalisation of the Woy Woy CBD.

It is timely that the document is due to go before Council with streetscape works due to commence under Council’s Financial Strategy.

The Woy Woy Village Renewal Committee have played a pivotal roll in the DCP process and they should be congratulated for their efforts.

Congratulations also to the Chamber members of that committee.

The Streetscape Masterplan process has now been completed in each of the three Peninsula CBD’s.

The Ettalong Beach Streetscape Masterplan has been finalised with the support of the Chamber of Commerce. Work is now under way with the remainder of its street upgrade works with the footpath paving continuing (including mosaics prepared by the Ettalong Beach Arts & Crafts Centre) and the new car park behind the Commonwealth Bank for additional shopper parking.

Woy Woy’s Streetscape Masterplan has also been finalised with the support of the Chamber of Commerce.

Work is due to commence in April which will include further footpath paving, streetscaping and the upgrade of Pelican Park.

The Umina Beach Streetscape Masterplan was finalised. However, submissions made by the Chamber of Commerce on behalf of our members in Umina Beach were not included in the plan by the Building Committee.

Many aspects of the proposed plan do not have the support of the Chamber including further raised "wombat" pedestrian crossings and angled parking in the centre of Trafalgar Avenue amongst other matters.

It was recommended by the Chamber that an independent planning consultant be engaged to prepared similar plans to that approved for Ettalong Beach and Woy Woy.

The Umina Beach Building Committee has chosen to proceed with the plan as exhibited despite the Chamber’s objections.

Gosford City Council last month issued a "deferred commencement" approval to the Ettalong Beach fast ferry proponent Fast Ships Pty Limited.

The approval will now enable the company to proceed with the project subject to the return of additional reports, which are to address car parking and environmental issues.

These are currently being prepared for submission to Council.

It is pleasing to note that imput is being provided to the additional reports through a "sunset" committee set up by Council which includes community representatives.

The "sunset" committee is being chaired by Councillor Lynne Bockholt.

Fast Ships Pty Limited has advised that it is aiming to operate the fast ferry by the middle of the Year 2000.

The project will include the construction and operation of a monohull 450 seat capacity high speed ferry, pontoon jetty at Bangalow Street, bus and taxi interchange area and upgraded amenities adjacent to the wharf.

For the Peninsula, the impact of this project will be far reaching.

For our commuters, the ferry will provide a high speed alternative that will transport them to Circular Quay in 35 minutes.

For our tourist industry, the ferry will provide new jobs, new business opportunities and new capital investment into our community.

The ferry service will also compliment the Ettalong Beach Resort complex and provide linkages to other tourist activities and operators not only on the Peninsula but on the whole of the Central Coast.

As many would be aware, Tibco Software Inc. has been up and running for some months in Woy Woy.

Alan Williams and his team have adapted well to the local business environment and we welcome his team to our business community.

With the assistance of Tibco, the Chamber of Commerce is planning to set up a Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Web Site, which will have links to other relevant Web Sites such as Central Coast Tourism, CCRDC and others.

The Chamber will be encouraging all its members to become part of the Internet process so that we can adapt to new business practices in the new millennium.

Discussions are proceeding with Tibco and we will keep all our members informed on progress.